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Rusty Hinge[_2_] · 04-08-2010, 10:18 PM posted to uk.rec.gardening

Roger Tonkin wrote:
In article ,
says...
Derek Turner wrote:
Yes it's true: the roots need this year to get established and store
energy for next year's shoots. Next and subsequent years you need to stop
harvesting about now to let the remaining leaves store energy in the
roots for the following year IYSWIM.
I think someone posted a while back that you shouldn't harvest rhubarb after
gooseberries are pickable. One of my rhubarbs is absolutely /begging/ to be
picked. It's huge and leafy and slightly triffid-like whilst everyone
else's is dead and gone already.
Am I allowed one last pick, please, mum?

I raised a query after a BBC gardening email said to stop picking at the
end of June! A few people said that this was correct, and I dont think
anyone disagreed.

However I've always picked my rhubarb until about mid-August and not
noticed a much degradation in crop the following year. This year I
thought I maight stop now, after a good picking at the weekend, ........
but if the plants continue to grow as strongly as they seem to be at the
moment, I shall be tempted in a couple of weeks!

Stop picking, and give it a good mulch with well-rotted manure, and
water with a multipurpose fertiliser (if you use such)

Keep well watered and you will be amazed at next year's crop.

--
Rusty